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Auto alternatives for the 21st centuryFri, 31 Jul 2015 13:14:21 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.22015 Fiat 500e Available In Oregon And Californiahttp://www.hybridcars.com/2015-fiat-500e-available-in-oregon-and-california/
http://www.hybridcars.com/2015-fiat-500e-available-in-oregon-and-california/#commentsWed, 24 Sep 2014 04:05:11 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=196274Fiat’s fully electric 2015 500e is now available in California and Oregon. Fiat said the 500e is available for $199 a month for 36 months with $999 due at signing. Sales of the Fiat 500e expanded to Oregon earlier this year; the all-electric Fiat had been sold only in California since its introduction in 2013. […]

]]>Fiat’s fully electric 2015 500e is now available in California and Oregon.

Fiat said the 500e is available for $199 a month for 36 months with $999 due at signing.

Sales of the Fiat 500e expanded to Oregon earlier this year; the all-electric Fiat had been sold only in California since its introduction in 2013.

“Bringing the Fiat 500e to Oregon gives more customers in this environmentally minded state the opportunity to enjoy the Italian style and engaging driving dynamics of the Fiat 500, but with zero tailpipe emissions,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of Fiat Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC.

For 2015, the Fiat 500e has a redesigned center console, with a new cup holder design and an additional USB port that is integrated with the radio. Two paint colors have been added for the 2015 model-year vehicles for a total of seven available exterior paint colors. The new colors are Luce Blu (light blue with a pearl finish) and Celeste (light blue).

To help alleviate range anxiety, Fiat has conceived an alternative transportation program for owners of the 500e. For times when a 500e customer needs to drive beyond the vehicle’s range or needs the carrying capability of a larger vehicle, the Fiat 500e lease provides an alternative transportation plan called the Fiat 500e Pass program.

Fiat said it partnered with Enterprise Holdings, owner and operator of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car, and National Car Rental brands, on the Fiat 500e Pass program, providing purchasers and lessees of a new 500e up to 12 days of alternate transportation each year for the first three years after the date of purchase.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/2015-fiat-500e-available-in-oregon-and-california/feed/0Chrysler FIAT Playing Catch-Up With Electrificationhttp://www.hybridcars.com/chrysler-fiat-playing-catch-up-with-electrification/
http://www.hybridcars.com/chrysler-fiat-playing-catch-up-with-electrification/#commentsFri, 12 Sep 2014 13:34:19 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=191130While Chrysler Fiat gets plenty of deserved credit for its alternative fuel and gas-engine-efficiency offerings — like the small EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 and the Multi-Air family of four-cylinders — there hasn’t been much of anything relating to electricity. In fact, beyond the Fiat 500e compliance car, the cupboard appears quite bare. However, the company apparently […]

]]>While Chrysler Fiat gets plenty of deserved credit for its alternative fuel and gas-engine-efficiency offerings — like the small EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 and the Multi-Air family of four-cylinders — there hasn’t been much of anything relating to electricity. In fact, beyond the Fiat 500e compliance car, the cupboard appears quite bare.

However, the company apparently realizes that it needs to play catch up and has partnered with smart minds at the non-profit NextEnergy to help. According to a story in WardsAuto, the pair are exploring things like inductive charging and a “reverse power flow battery setup.”

During a recent technical demonstration in Detroit, a car parked over an electrified inductive charging mat showed that “…the technology works flawlessly, wirelessly recharching an EV at the same level as a 240-volt power source.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise came from Mike Duhaime, Chrysler’s global director for electric powertrain propulsion systems, who confirmed that there was an interesting new product coming in only a couple years.

“We launched the 500e and we’re going to do a minivan PHEV,” he said. “And we have several mild hybrids we’re working on getting ready for production.”

The minivan Duhaime refers to is the upcoming Chrysler Town & Country, which will be built on an all-new platform and hitting streets sometime around 2016.

Duhaime didn’t reveal if or when inductive technology would be offered, but believes the system is an attractive one.

“The [power transfer] efficiencies were an issue early on, but I think we have that now, so that’s a key development,” he said. “It’s one of the things you look at with EVs and PHEVs, because for consumers it’s easier to drive over a pad.”

The reverse-flow technology is designed more for large fleets, and essentially allows fully-charged EVs that aren’t being used to dump their batteries power back into the energy grid during peak electricity times and then recharging them during off-peak hours for much less money. NextEnergy’s small fleet of four 500e’s managed to help cut its energy expenses by $1,200 during a test in July 2013.

“If you increase the number of vehicles to 12 you save $27,000 per year,” said Gary Gauthier, one of NextEnergy’s technology and market advisors. “Every building is going to be different. What we’re trying to understand is how variables play with each other to figure out what profiles make the best business case for Chrysler to be able to provide these vehicles to businesses.”

There are no firm plans on when the reverse-flow system might be introduced, but NextEnergy and Chrysler are going to be testing for at least another year — a four-season test — before any decisions are made.

GALLERY: Fiat 500e

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/chrysler-fiat-playing-catch-up-with-electrification/feed/0Fiat 500e Recalled For Power Inverter Module Issuehttp://www.hybridcars.com/fiat-500e-recalled-for-power-inverter-module-issue/
http://www.hybridcars.com/fiat-500e-recalled-for-power-inverter-module-issue/#commentsMon, 12 May 2014 14:38:18 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=148641Chrysler Group announced May 9 it is replacing the power inverter module (PIM) in an estimated 4,141 Fiat 500e electric cars to prevent coolant seepage that may cause power loss while driving. A PIM alters electric current to accommodate battery-powered propulsion. Fiat explained a routine warranty data review prompted an investigation, during which Chrysler Group […]

]]>Chrysler Group announced May 9 it is replacing the power inverter module (PIM) in an estimated 4,141 Fiat 500e electric cars to prevent coolant seepage that may cause power loss while driving.

A PIM alters electric current to accommodate battery-powered propulsion.

Fiat explained a routine warranty data review prompted an investigation, during which Chrysler Group engineers discovered a PIM defect that may, over time, seep coolant onto electrical components, causing a short-circuit leading to power loss.

Chrysler Group said it is aware of five such incidents. The Company also said it is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

Chrysler Group opted to replace PIMs in model-year 2013-14 Fiat 500e vehicles assembled between Sept. 24, 2012 and April 4, 2014. Affected customers, all of whom are in the U.S., will be contacted directly and advised when they may schedule service.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/fiat-500e-recalled-for-power-inverter-module-issue/feed/0Now’s Your Chance To Win A Celebrity Personalized Fiat 500ehttp://www.hybridcars.com/nows-your-chance-to-win-a-celebrity-personalized-fiat-500e/
http://www.hybridcars.com/nows-your-chance-to-win-a-celebrity-personalized-fiat-500e/#commentsThu, 17 Oct 2013 14:29:30 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=81673Are you interested in helping dependent people, lending support to Fiat’s electrification efforts, and getting a new 500e electric car personalized by a Hollywood celebrity? If so, head over to eBay and see how the bids are going for an auction for nine 500e electric cars personalized by the likes of Clint Eastwood, Barbra Streisand, […]

]]>Are you interested in helping dependent people, lending support to Fiat’s electrification efforts, and getting a new 500e electric car personalized by a Hollywood celebrity?

If so, head over to eBay and see how the bids are going for an auction for nine 500e electric cars personalized by the likes of Clint Eastwood, Barbra Streisand, Anne Hathaway, Ron Howard, and other top stars. Each of the vehicles has an etched signature on the glove box by the celebrity.

The auction has been running since last Saturday, Oct. 12, and goes 10 days until Monday, Oct. 22, ending at 8 p.m. ET.

On Saturday also, the first 500e personalized by actor Hugh Jackman (Wolverine on “X-Men”) was purchased for $50,000.

Thus far, the top bid for the cars remaining is $20,100 for the Clint Eastwood-personalized 500e with 5 days, 9 hours to go.

All proceeds go to the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) which will assist “in providing its services of healthcare, financial relief and retirement living to the more than 150,000 people it helps yearly.”

Winning bidders will be asked to pick up their 500e(s) at Orange Coast Fiat in Costa Mesa, Calif.

The promo is all part of the Fiat “Into the Green” program, originated November 2012, and designed “with the aim of promoting and raising awareness of the all-electric Fiat 500e.”

]]>Congregating in the United States’ largest concentration of charging stations per capita, the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) said its members voted the all-new 2013 Fiat 500e their “Top Electric Vehicle” at the first-annual “Drive Revolution” green-car event in Portland.

Considering the area’s reputation for being a green-vehicle hub, NWAPA said its members tested 17 of the market’s most technologically advanced and fuel efficient models around Portland – including electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and clean-diesel models from both import and domestic manufacturers.

“The Fiat 500e is an electric car with sex appeal,” said Bengt Halvorson, Drive Revolution Event Co-chair. “Unlike other electric vehicles, we think the Fiat 500e will lure in a type of buyer that otherwise might not even have considered a plug-in model.”

While the Fiat 500e is currently available in California only, NWAPA members see great appeal for this zero-emission, battery-electric Cinquecento (500) for American big-city commuters everywhere.

“We wanted a Fiat 500 that happens to be fully electric,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of Fiat Brand-North America. “NWAPA’s Drive Revolution accolade reinforces that our Italian style and engaging dynamics, combined with a fully electric powertrain, have created a zero-emissions Cinquecento that appeals beyond just green car shoppers.”

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/2013-fiat-500e-is-northwest-automotive-press-associations-first-ever-top-electric-vehicle-pick/feed/0Match-Style Info Site For Fiat’s 500ehttp://www.hybridcars.com/match-style-info-site-for-fiats-500e/
http://www.hybridcars.com/match-style-info-site-for-fiats-500e/#commentsFri, 21 Jun 2013 04:21:28 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=60534Does your planet-saving sexiness keep you from finding true love? Are you hot, eco-friendly and love to take charge? Whether you answered yes or no, Fiat believes it has the perfect match waiting for you at www.EnvironmentallySexy.com. Created to introduce the all-new 2013 Fiat 500e, EnvironmentallySexy.com is a website created with the fun and flirty […]

Whether you answered yes or no, Fiat believes it has the perfect match waiting for you at www.EnvironmentallySexy.com.

Created to introduce the all-new 2013 Fiat 500e, EnvironmentallySexy.com is a website created with the fun and flirty feel of a matchmaking site. The site is filled with information geared toward the California-based consumer providing them with the insight they need to select the right vehicle, find out about potential rebates they may be eligible for and identify charging stations located across the state.

The 2013 Fiat 500e will arrive in California this summer.

“Our goal is to simplify the decision-making process on the purchase or lease of a 2013 Fiat 500e by arming consumers with information that is not only informative, but conveyed in an easy-to-understand manner,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of Fiat Brand North America. “The Fiat 500e is not your typical battery-electric vehicle; it’s innovative, stylish, fun to drive and affordable. It was essential to design a site that would match the vehicle’s persona and encourage visitors to test drive and ultimately purchase or lease a Fiat 500e.”

EnvironmentallySexy.com has the feel of a matchmaking site, but has been designed to deliver information on the vehicle in formats, such as quizzes and videos.

Fiat said homeowners, renters and apartment-dwellers will find information that is tailored to their specific needs. The site also will analyze a customer’s lifestyle to match the appropriate Fiat 500 model that fit their needs.

The all-new 2013 Fiat 500e is based on the conventionally powered 500 and offers an EPA tested 87 miles of driving range and 108 per gallon equivalent (MPGe) highway rating of pure battery-electric power.

The Fiat 500e will be available in the second-quarter of 2013 and will be priced at $32,600, which includes a $800 destination charge.

However, eligible California residents may be able to purchase the Fiat 500e for as low as $20,600, after federal credits, state incentives and Fiat rebates are included.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/match-style-info-site-for-fiats-500e/feed/0Fiat’s Electric 500 Under Oscar’s Spotlightshttp://www.hybridcars.com/fiats-electric-500-under-oscars-spotlights/
http://www.hybridcars.com/fiats-electric-500-under-oscars-spotlights/#commentsFri, 22 Feb 2013 06:28:21 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=54091Fiat is turning the spotlights on its electric 500 during Oscar week. The Fiat 500e “Into the Green” program, which was launched this past November with the objective to build awareness for the first fully electric Fiat 500, is ready to take the stage in 2013 during the week leading to “The Oscars.” The Fiat […]

]]>Fiat is turning the spotlights on its electric 500 during Oscar week.

The Fiat 500e “Into the Green” program, which was launched this past November with the objective to build awareness for the first fully electric Fiat 500, is ready to take the stage in 2013 during the week leading to “The Oscars.”

The Fiat brand sponsors two “Into the Green” events, one was Thursday, Feb. 21 in partnership with Vanity Fair and one on Saturday, Feb. 23 in partnership with the Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF), which is the beneficiary of the “Into the Green” program.

“The Fiat 500e is not only environmentally friendly, but also socially responsible,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “The Into the Green Initiative provides a great opportunity for us to work with the MPTF to support the entertainment community while celebrating the arrival of the first all-electric vehicle for the FIAT brand.”

Fiat said that at each exclusive Fiat 500e “Into the Green” event, a celebrity is assigned a 2013 Fiat 500e, which will be delivered in April 2013 in conjunction with the vehicle’s launch in the United States. The celebrity will then drive the Fiat 500e for a period of time before it is auctioned off at a special event to benefit the MPTF.

“Into the Green” programs have been held in past exclusive red carpet events, including the 2012 American Music Awards Pre-Show, the Geffen MOCA Fiat 500e vehicle launch and the 2012 Golden Globes viewing and after party.